Red Flag
Alaska 16-1, which was an advanced aerial combat training
exercise hosted at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (a successor to the previous
COPE THUNDER exercise series) held in the Alaska region.

The main phase of the exercise had commenced on 28 Apr 16 with a mix of
combat and support elements participating from IAF, USAF and USN. Over the last
decade, IAF has been actively participating in various operational exercises
hosted by various countries wherein its capabilities has
been pitted against the best air forces in the world.

While referring to the
overall exercise plan and objective Red Flag Alaska 16-1 the Team Leader Gp
Capt H Assudani said, “(the) Objective of this inter-continental deployment was
not only to showcase IAF capability in undertaking Integrated Air Ops but also
to imbibe operational lessons from the exercise engagements which will help us
add more teeth to our overall war waging capabilities”.

The
exercise is played under multiple simulated scenario designed to provide
realistic settings. The overall demarcation is between Red Force (simulated as
the Defensive force component fighting to protect own airspace and assets) and
the Blue Force (simulated as the Offensive composite package). The Red Forces
was mainly constituted by the 18 Sqn Aggressor Sqn flying the F-16s. The IAF
along with the other USAF (F-15, F-16, F-22) and USN (F-18) constituted the
Blue force. During the exercise IAF also flew as a part of the Red Force
alongside the Aggressors which was a first of its kind.

The
Exercise saw the IAF’s potent SU-30 MKI aircraft participating in Offensive
Counter Air Ops in which they provided Escort cover to the strike elements.
Apart from this, the IAF Jaguars DARIN II undertook integrated strike missions
dropping practice bombs over the world renowned JPARC Air to Ground Range).
Both these fleets performed their roles exceptionally well. There were three
missions commanded by Indian Airforce in this exercise. Mission commanders of
both the Jaguars and Su 30s were involved in planning, execution and conduct of
debrief. One of the missions was commanded by Sqn Ldr Sidhu, who while speaking
on the mission said that “it was a great opportunity to lead all the coalition
forces. It gives one an immense satisfaction when all the participants execute
the briefed plan which becomes a success”.

While
talking about the IAF in the red flag exercise Lt Col Brian Toth, Chief
operations officer of 354 operations group said “ The IAFs participation has
been extremely good from my perspective. For most nations it takes an exercise
or two to step up to meet the requirements of a Mission commander. The IAF has
been mission commander three times and also performed the package commander
roles and they have done a tremendous job”.

During
the exercise a set of Red Flag team formed the `white Force’
& using high tech instrumentation and mission debrief tools were used to
evaluate the performance of the participants in an objective and logical
manner. The White Force watched the entire exercise in real time on tactical
displays in the operations room on ground. Kill removal (removal of the pilots and
aircraft assumed shot by the enemy) made the exercise more realistic.

The
temperatures were sub-zero during a large part of the exercise which posed a
challenge to the maintenance team. The team kept all the aircraft fully
serviceable and mission capable at all times. It is noteworthy that despite the
challenging environment, the maintenance team ensured 100% serviceability of
all platforms throughout the four weeks. Lt Col Clarence McRae, the RED
FLAG-Alaska 16-1 Expeditionary Forces Maintenance Group commander said
"RED FLAG-Alaska provided all of the participants a fantastic opportunity
to train with members of the Indian Air Force.

The exchange of lessons learned
and best practices with our partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region have
enabled us to strengthen our partnership and signifies our commitment to this
area of operations. The professionalism of the IAF airmen made bolstering our
countries' relationship easy and helped provide realistic combat training for
all participants". The Senior Engineering Officers of the IAF units were
happy with the comprehensive IAF technical practices which are well defined and
meticulous. Adherence to these have ensured a high tarmac availability that
allowed aircrew to perform their missions.

Wg Cdr Pratyush Anand, SEO of SU-30
Sqn said, “out of box thinking of the technicians has earned praise from all
quarters. The participating airmen got an opportunity to see a variety of
aircraft and this exposure and interaction with other fleets will go a long way
in evolving our own practices”.

In the
closing address Col William Culver 354th Fighter Wing Vice Cdr said
”this was one of the best Red flags I has seen. I compliment the exceptional
standards displayed by the IAF and am amazed to see all the ten aircraft IAF
had brought (4 Su30s, 4 Jaguars and 2 IL-78s) maintaining 100% serviceability
for the entire four weeks and their aircraft flying on all days as per plan”.

Wg Cdr
Saumitra Tamaskar Exercise Director said “Having set out with well-defined
objectives, the IAF contingent’s effort over the past month has ensured that
they take back important lessons which will help undertake operations across a
wide and diverse spectrum and meet any future challenges”.

The
Contingent will start their de-induction phase on 14 May 16 and are planned to
return to India in the last week of May 16. The Su-30s will additionally
participate in exercise ‘Desert Eagle II’ with UAE Air Force on their way back.